Avionics Engineer (Subject-Matter-Expert)
Position Summary
Serve as the cornerstone technical authority for integrating open-architecture airborne nodes linking warfighters to decision-quality data at the tactical edge. As the program's Avionics Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will lead avionics integration of chassis, Type-1 crypto, SATCOM apertures, and OMS/UCI software with multiple aircraft avionics suites during Major Release—ensuring airworthiness, mission effectiveness, and robust digital-thread fidelity.
Essential Job Functions
Architecture & Design Authority: Define avionics integration schemes that combine COTS VPX hardware with platform data buses (MIL‐STD‐1553, ARINC‐429/664, Ethernet TSN) and mission computers. Develop interface-control documents (ICDs), signal-flow diagrams, and timing budgets; ensure alignment with OMS/UCI messages and cross-domain guard rules.
Airworthiness & Certification: Lead authoring of AF Form 1067s, E-series flight-clearance packages, and safety-of-flight analyses. Oversee creation and compliance of DO‐254 (hardware) and DO‐178C (software) artifacts when required.
Digital Thread / Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Capture avionics models in SysML/CAMEO and link to requirements, verification methods, and hardware trees. Drive configuration-control boards, incorporate red-line changes, and maintain synchronization of models and documents.
Lab-to-Flight Integration: Specify and validate wiring harnesses, signal conditioning, and power interfaces in integration system-in-the-loop (SIL) labs. Troubleshoot EMI/EMC, timing, and protocol issues; guide corrective actions through to flight-test readiness.
Flight-Test & Fielding Support: Draft test cards, telemetry requirements, and Interim Authorizations To Test (IATT). Serve as on-board or ground avionics lead during developmental and operational flights; analyze real-time data and coordinate anomaly resolution.
Mentorship & Stakeholder Engagement: Advise government leads, platform SPOs, and OEM avionics teams; present technical status to senior audiences. Mentor mid-level engineers and instill open-architecture and DevSecOps best practices in classified environments.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- B.S. in Electrical, Avionics, Aerospace, or Computer Engineering (M.S. preferred).
- 20+ years of avionics design/integration experience on military fixed- or rotary-wing platforms, including hands-on flight-test and fielding.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance.
- Expert knowledge of MIL‐STD‐1553, ARINC‐429/664, Ethernet (TSN/AFDX), VPX architectures, and timing/synchronization.
- Demonstrated success integrating Type‐1 crypto, SATCOM/RF subsystems, and open mission systems (OMS/UCI, FACE, SOSA).
- Proven experience generating airworthiness artifacts and guiding systems through developmental and operational test.
- Proficiency with avionics E‐CAD and MBSE tools (CAMEO/MagicDraw, Rhapsody, Altium/OrCAD).
Desired Skills
- Experience with ABMS, CJADC2, or airborne C4ISR networking programs.
- Deep familiarity with DO‐254/DO‐178C compliance, RCC 324/125‐15, and MIL‐STD‐461 EMI/EMC.
- INCOSE CSEP/ESEP, Designated Engineering Representative (DER), or USAF Test Pilot School academic credentials.
- Experience with integrating software-defined radios, content routing, or SDN architectures into legacy aircraft environments.
- Agile/SAFe certification and exposure to DevSecOps pipelines (Platform One, Rancher).